Firearm Support Assembly With Third-Class Lever Vise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current firearm support systems lack an economical combination of features that provide stable construction, fine positioning capabilities, and quick adjustment for azimuth positioning while maintaining effective clamping and leverage mechanisms, often being either too expensive or lacking in practicality.

Innovation Solution

A firearm support framework utilizing tubular bar-stock and hollow clamping components with a maximal force-attenuated third class lever vise and spring-biased un-clamping means, incorporating positional sleeve and set pin subassemblies for adjustable mounting and secure firearm retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional firearm support systems use solid construction and complex adjustment mechanisms, then stability and positioning precision are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into modular components: a stable base structure, an independent vise assembly with third-class lever mechanism, and adjustable positioning elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for stability while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vise assembly incorporates movable elements including the lag screw mechanism and adjustable positioning components that allow dynamic adaptation to different firearm sizes and positions, providing stability for various configurations without requiring a completely different structure for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If traditional firearm support systems incorporate fine positioning capabilities and adjustment mechanisms, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex electronic or motorized positioning systems with simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms including the third-class lever vise, lag screw, and set screw arrangements. These mechanical elements provide fine positioning capabilities through pure mechanical advantage without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning precision is achieved by changing the mechanical parameters of the adjustment mechanisms, specifically the lever arm ratios in the third-class lever vise and the thread pitch of the lag screw, rather than adding complex control systems. This allows fine positioning through simple parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional firearm support systems use simple construction and minimal adjustment mechanisms, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but stability and positioning precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure and vise assembly are pre-configured with optimized geometric relationships and rigid connections that inherently provide stability. The third-class lever vise is pre-set with appropriate arm ratios to provide mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for complex active stabilization systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vise mechanism uses the firearm's own weight and the mechanical advantage of the third-class lever to maintain stable positioning. The spring-biased un-clamping mechanism automatically returns the vise to the open position, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If traditional firearm support systems lack quick adjustment mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment speed and operational convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vise mechanism uses periodic rotation of the lag screw to achieve rapid opening and closing actions. The spring-biased un-clamping mechanism provides periodic return to the open position, enabling quick adjustments without requiring complex actuators or motors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The third-class lever vise acts as an intermediary mechanical advantage system that amplifies the operator's input force, enabling quick adjustment of the firearm position with minimal effort. The lever mechanism mediates between the operator's hand motion and the clamping action on the firearm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Reliability

If traditional firearm support systems use effective clamping mechanisms, then firearm retention is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirearm retentionVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-biased un-clamping mechanism converts the potential harm of accidental discharge into a benefit by automatically returning the vise to the open position when not engaged, providing a fail-safe feature that enhances reliability without adding complex electronic safety systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping force and retention reliability are optimized by adjusting the spring constant and pre-load of the biasing spring, as well as the friction characteristics of the contact surfaces. These parameter changes provide reliable firearm retention through simple mechanical means rather than complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution offers a cost-effective, stable, and versatile firearm support system with fine positioning capabilities, enabling quick adjustments and secure firearm retention, while maintaining operational convenience and leveraging mechanical advantages for effective clamping.

Implementation Method 1

The vise plates are biased apart by a coil spring more or less disposed upon the longitudinal aspect of the bolt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A maximal force-attenuated third class lever vise extending upwardly from the framework within which the firearm stock may be secured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS7356960B1Firearm support assembly
Publication Date: 2008.04.15 KNITT CURT THOMAS
  • US7356960B1 patent drawing
  • US7356960B1 patent drawing
  • US7356960B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Height and length are adjustable at several points. There is a special type of vise for holding the gunstock. As usual, the vise bolt pulls the movable plate toward the fixed one but, like some of the vise's predecessors, traces out an arc at the top, pivoting from the bottom as the bolt, situated just above the pivot, is turned. Within the movable plate a special cylinder is situated which gives and turns freely in response to the bolt's advance and withdrawal in passing through a threaded tunnel within it. This action prevents the biting down or binding upon the bolt which would otherwise occur because of the plate's pivoted travel as the bolt is advanced or withdrawn. The support's framework, best made from economical tubular bar-stock, is adjustable for leveling and leaning corrections and include anchoring blocks within the structure through which leveling bolts pass.